Ho Chi Minh City, often referred to by its old French colonial name Saigon, is the largest and most populous city in Vietnam. No amount of mental preparation could steel us for the dizzying traffic chaos that swept us up in its pulsating, honking frenzy. But beyond the millions of whizzing motorbikes lies a resilient city that has survived war and turmoil just a few decades ago.
Built between 1863 and 1880, Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica is a neo-Romanesque church constructed using materials imported from France. A statue of the Virgin Mary, which stands tall in front of the bright red cathedral, is said to have shed tears in 2005, attracting thousands of people to flood the streets.
Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica
Bến Nghé, tp. Hồ Chí Minh, Ho Chi Minh
Constructed in the late 19th century, the city’s central post office boldly reflects Gothic, Renaissance and French influences. Inside the vivid yellow building, waves of sightseeing tourists were greeted by a mosaic portrait of Ho Chi Minh at the end of barrel-vaulted hallway. Unfazed by the celebrity status of this historical building, locals calmly continued about their everyday postal business.
Saigon Central Post Office
2 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, tp. Hồ Chí Minh, Hồ Chí Minh
Open daily 06:00 – 22:00
Station 3A is an independent arts space housed in abandoned warehouses built by the French in 19th century. It offers an avenue for designers and artists to gather, collaborate and promote the local art, fashion and music scenes.
Nhà Ga 3A (Station 3A)
3A Tôn Đức Thắng, Bến Nghé, 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Open daily 09:00 – 21:00
Up the rickety stairs in an old, unassuming building, The Workshop Cafe serves what’s arguably the best coffee in Saigon. Plenty of sunshine streams through large windows, lighting up the high-ceilinged industrial chic cafe. Not only are single origin beans sourced directly from local farmers and roasted on-site, customers can also choose their preferred method of brewing. Such attention to quality and detail is hard to come by.
The Workshop Cafe
27 Ngô Đức Kế, Bến Nghé, 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Open daily 08:00 – 22:00
ESCAPE 